Don’t Be Alarmed: AusAlert Test Coming to Port Lincoln on Saturday

If you’re in the Port Lincoln area this morning and your phone suddenly starts blaring a loud emergency siren, don’t panic.

The Australian Government will conduct a local test of its new AusAlert emergency warning system at 11:00am on Saturday, 20 June, with compatible mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches expected to receive a test alert.

The alert is part of a nationwide rollout of AusAlert, a new emergency warning system that uses cell broadcast technology to send near-instant warnings to compatible devices within a specific area. Unlike the current SMS-based Emergency Alert system, AusAlert broadcasts messages directly from nearby mobile towers, allowing emergency agencies to reach large numbers of people almost instantly.

During the Port Lincoln test, devices may vibrate and emit a loud siren-like warning tone for around 10 seconds before displaying a message confirming it is only a test. No action is required.

Authorities say the new system will be used to warn Australians during emergencies including bushfires, floods, severe storms, cyclones, security threats, biosecurity incidents and public health emergencies.

For anyone who may find the alert distressing, Priority Alerts can be disabled in compatible device settings, or you can switch your phone to Flight Mode or turn it off before the test and leave it off for at least an hour afterwards.

Motorists are also being reminded that if the alert is received while driving, they should not touch or read their phone while the vehicle is moving. Instead, continue driving safely and only check the notification once it is safe and legal to do so.

The Port Lincoln exercise is one of nine community tests being held across Australia during June ahead of AusAlert’s official launch in October 2026. A nationwide test is also scheduled for Monday, 27 July, when compatible devices across Australia are expected to receive a higher-level Critical Alert. (InfraTransport)